Fact or Fiction: Surviving an Avalanche

The popular vision of avalanches is one of deadly unpredictability, but that's not totally true. Avalanches are deadly, but there are steps you can take to avoid causing one -- and they are possible to survive if you're prepared. Would you know what to do if an avalanche is hurtling toward you?

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Question 1 of 20

Most deadly avalanches come out of nowhere -- there's really no way to predict them.

fact

fiction

Avalanches are actually fairly predictable, and most are triggered by their victims

Question 2 of 20

Most avalanches start on 35- to 45-degree slopes.

fact

True. You can buy an inclinometer that will measure any given slope for you.

fiction

Question 3 of 20

If you're skiing in an avalanche-prone area, one partner should always ski above the other for greater visibility.

fact

fiction

By skiing above your partner, you could trigger an avalanche that would bury him or her.